Marilyn Lloyd
Marilyn Lloyd, who represented the Third District in Congress for 10 terms, has died at the age of 89.
Ms. Lloyd got into politics after her husband, TV anchor Mort Lloyd, was killed in a plane crash in 1974. Mort Lloyd had won the Democratic primary to oppose Rep. Lamar Baker. The party chose her to go on the ballot in his place, and she defeated Congressman Baker.
She was the first woman ever elected to Congress in Tennessee for a full term.
Ms. Lloyd narrowly defeated Zach Wamp for the Third District seat. Two years later, she chose not to run and she endorsed Mr. Wamp, who wound up taking her place.
She married Joe Bouquard and then later Dr. Robert Fowler.
A native of Fort Smith, Ark., she was born as Marilyn Laird to a Church of Christ pastor.
Her children are Nancy, Mari and Mort from her marriage to Mort Lloyd.
Current 3rd District Congressman Chuck Fleischmann said, "My prayers are with Lloyd family after hearing of Marilyn Lloyd’s passing. I thank Marilyn for her service to our great state in representing the wonderful people of Tennessee’s Third District in the U.S. House of Representatives for 20 years. While I am saddened by her passing, the legacy of Marilyn Lloyd will forever be a part of East Tennessee history.”
Rep. Jim Cooper said, “Marilyn Lloyd stepped up in tragic circumstances and made history. I was lucky to serve with her in Congress. She was a terrific legislator whose legacy will live on across Tennessee. My thoughts are with her family.”